5 Mint Julep Variations To Try During The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is tomorrow (May 5), and when the masses descend on Churchill Downs in their finest Derby duds (and hats), they’ll be ordering Mint Juleps like crazy.If you’re hosting a Derby party or are attending one, consider putting a spin on the classic cocktail with these five variations.

Orange Mint Julep: For those who love a citrus twist!

With the Kentucky Derby happening this weekend, it only seemed logical to make a Mint Julep this week. An Orange Mint Julep to be exact! A traditional Mint Julep is basically mint and bourbon, with a little sweetener, served in a metal julep cup filled with crushed ice.

Champagne Julep: For those who love the bubbly!

The Champagne Julep is a fairly simple, creative, and bubbly variation on the classic Mint Julep. While it doesn't differ too much from the original, this recipe employs champagne to mellow out the sugar and give the drink a bit of cosmopolitan elegance o...

Chocolate Mint Julep: For those who enjoy a dessert cocktail!

Twisting the classic mint julep idea just a bit, this variation substitutes crème de cacao for the sugar. It's a liqueur that's sweet enough to do the work of the sugar, while adding a chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with both the vanilla-caramel bourbon notes and the fresh mint.

Today's recipe is inspired by a margarita Dan and I had once at a tequileria called the Mala Suerte ("bad luck"). It was made with spicy habanero infused tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice, and came with a sugar rim.

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.